Our full recipe guide on how to make Quesadillas the most popular dishes in Mexico.
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that’s both simple to make and delicious. Quesadillas consist of tortillas filled primarily with cheese, but other fillings like meats, vegetables, and spices can be added to enhance the flavor. Here’s how to make a basic cheese quesadilla, with options for additional fillings.
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How to Make Quesadillas
Quesadillas Recipe Ingredients
Basic Cheese Quesadilla:
Flour tortillas: 2 large
Shredded cheese: About 1 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix are popular choices)
Butter or oil: For cooking
Optional Fillings:
Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Cooked beef, such as ground beef or sliced steak
Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, all sautéed
Beans: Black or pinto, rinsed and drained
Spices: Cumin, paprika, or chili powder
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Step By Step How to Make Quesadillas
- Prepare the Fillings
If adding optional fillings like vegetables or meats, prepare these ahead of time by cooking them until they are done. For vegetables, a light sauté until they are just softened is sufficient.
- Assemble the Quesadilla
Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Assemble in Pan: Place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle a layer of cheese evenly over the tortilla. If using additional fillings, add them over the half of the tortilla. This makes it easier to fold.
Add a bit more cheese on top of the fillings to help the top tortilla stick after it melts and place the second tortilla on top.
- Cook the Quesadilla
Let the quesadilla cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla over to crisp up the other side, another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the outer tortillas are golden brown.
- Serve
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet, let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, then cut into wedges.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with sides like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Tips To Make Quesadillas
Using a mix of cheeses can give a nice flavor and texture. A combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack is great. If you find the tortilla is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce the heat.
You want a nice crispy exterior without burning. While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, too much can make the quesadilla hard to flip and may cause fillings to spill out.
How Many Calories Have Quesadillas
A simple cheese quesadilla is around 800 calories.
Flour Tortilla (large): Approximately 200 calories each (400 calories for two)
Cheese (1 cup shredded): Depending on the type, about 400 calories for cheddar
Chicken: Adding about 1/2 cup of cooked, shredded chicken adds roughly 100-150 calories.
Beef: Adding about 1/2 cup of cooked ground beef adds about 150-200 calories.
Vegetables: Adding a cup of sautéed vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms) adds about 50-100 calories, depending on the type of vegetables and the amount of oil used for cooking.
Serving Additions:
Sour Cream (1 tablespoon): Adds about 30 calories.
Guacamole (1 tablespoon): Adds about 25 calories.
Salsa (1/4 cup): Adds about 20 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.